The Rise of Male Loneliness and the Toxic Influence of the Dark Triad on Modern Society

Male loneliness is a topic that is starting to gain media attention, but the explanations provided often remain superficial. It is frequently argued that society, having become more modern and progressive, now offers more advantages to women, leaving men without direction. This discourse, centered on the supposed end of patriarchy, suggests that men must adapt, or even feminize themselves, to find their place in this new world. While this perspective is popular, it does not take into account the complexity of the situation and tends to stigmatize men as being incapable of adapting, while placing the entire responsibility for their loneliness on their shoulders.

The Crisis of Loneliness: A Misunderstood Phenomenon

When male loneliness is presented as the result of men’s inability to evolve in a post-patriarchal society, another potential explanation is overlooked: what if it is not the men who are abnormal, but rather the current societal model that favors deviant and dangerous behaviors? This theory resonates with a psychological concept called the Dark Triad, which could explain why some individuals are better suited to contemporary society than others.

Understanding the Dark Triad

The Dark Triad is a psychological model that groups together three personality traits: Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism. These traits, although negative, seem increasingly valued in various spheres of today’s society, whether it be the professional world, romantic relationships, or even popular culture.

• Machiavellianism: Characterized by calculated manipulation, a lack of morality, and a motivation primarily centered on self-interest.
• Psychopathy: Defined by a lack of empathy, marked impulsivity, and a constant search for thrills.
• Narcissism: Associated with an overinflated ego, personal domination, and a constant need for admiration.

When these traits are combined, they give rise to what is known as the Dark Triad. In the current context, individuals exhibiting these characteristics are often the ones who succeed the most, leaving others—the “normal” ones—lagging behind, and often isolated.

The Impact of the Dark Triad in Society

Research shows that behaviors associated with the Dark Triad are particularly prevalent among senior executives and business leaders. In an increasingly competitive work environment, these traits become assets for climbing the ladder of success. Individuals who are less manipulative or aggressive then find themselves struggling, blocked in their careers, and by extension, in their social lives.

But this phenomenon is not limited to the professional world. In romantic relationships, people with Dark Triad traits tend to have short-lived, unstable, and unsatisfactory relationships. Yet this relationship model is becoming increasingly normalized, both in reality and in the media. Television series and movies, in particular, tend to glorify these behaviors, creating a devastating norm for those seeking healthier and more enduring relationships.

Social Media: An Amplifier of the Dark Triad

Social networks are another area where the Dark Triad thrives. Platforms like Instagram or TikTok value narcissistic behaviors, encouraging users to showcase themselves in often superficial and manipulative ways. Machiavellian personalities also find fertile ground here, using their ability to seduce and manipulate to gain popularity.

This overrepresentation of Dark Triad personalities on social media creates a normalization effect, even pushing individuals without these traits to imitate them to succeed. The problem is that for a normal person, adopting these behaviors can be extremely harmful, both to their mental health and their social relationships.

A Societal Model to Rethink

The rise of the Dark Triad across all areas of modern life leaves more “normal” individuals—those who do not manipulate, betray, or intimidate—on the margins of society. This situation contributes to isolation and loneliness, particularly among men who, faced with this new norm, no longer find their place.

To combat this trend, it is crucial to rethink spaces, both real and virtual, to foster healthier and more balanced interactions. Avoiding environments dominated by Dark Triad personalities and seeking more authentic and empathetic communities is a first step toward protecting oneself and finding some balance.

To read: The Pandemic of Male Loneliness: Navigating Social Change

Male loneliness is not simply the result of an inability to adapt to a post-patriarchal world. It is a symptom of a society that increasingly values deviant behaviors at the expense of normal individuals. For those who feel isolated, the solution is not to conform to these new norms but to seek out environments that value fundamental human qualities such as empathy, honesty, and mutual respect.